SHEA Announces Newest Delegation of the International Ambassador Program

SHEA Announces Newest Delegation of the International Ambassador ProgramThe program seeks to facilitate a global dialogue on infection prevention.

ARLINGTON, VA. (March 12, 2018) –The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) has announced its 2018 International Ambassador Program Delegation. The program fosters international learning and collaboration to help address the critical need for strong infection prevention practices worldwide. This year’s delegation includes 18 outstanding individuals from 16 countries, all with extensive experience in healthcare epidemiology and infection prevention.

"Resistance doesn’t adhere to national boundaries or the need for a visa. Worldwide, it is critical that we continue to improve health and healthcare outcomes through the prevention of antibiotic resistance through the judicious use of antibiotics and infection prevention," said Keith Kaye, MD, MPH, FSHEA, president of SHEA. "This international network of leaders has made significant contributions to developing and disseminating best practices on infection prevention and control worldwide. This year's delegation will help to expand these efforts."

Since 2009, SHEA has partnered with 3M on the International Ambassadors Program to welcome 135 Ambassadors representing 52 countries, helping to build collaborative relationships between U.S. and international healthcare professionals. Each year, selected delegates from around the world to participate in advanced discussions on healthcare epidemiology and infection prevention, as well as engage with SHEA’s member experts, and participate in educational and research opportunities.

"While we may face unique challenges in infection prevention and control, SHEA's International Ambassadors come together to unite a global presence of leaders dedicated to protecting patients and healthcare providers from infectious diseases," said Xiaoyan Song, MD, chair of SHEA’s External Affairs Committee. "We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with this group and invite them to learn alongside SHEA's members."

SHEA works with the new Ambassadors and Program alumnae to identify content and partnerships to support learning, policy development and the growth of regional networks. These opportunities have resulted in collaboration on a variety of projects and educational meetings on antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention and control in the ambassadors’ home countries, research projects and outbreak investigations.

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The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is a professional society representing more than 2,000 physicians and other healthcare professionals around the world who possess expertise and passion for healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. The society's work improves public health by establishing infection-prevention measures and supporting antibiotic stewardship among healthcare providers, hospitals, and health systems. This is accomplished by leading research studies, translating research into clinical practice, developing evidence-based policies, optimizing antibiotic stewardship, and advancing the field of healthcare epidemiology. SHEA and its members strive to improve patient outcomes and create a safer, healthier future for all. Visit SHEA online at www.shea-online.org, www.facebook.com/SHEApreventingHAIs and @SHEA_Epi.